Washington State Cancels Jose Antonio Vargas’ Driver’s License

SEATTLE (AP) — The Washington State Department of Licensing has canceled the driver’s license for Jose Antiono Vargas, the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who publicly said he is an illegal immigrant. Vargas attended San Francisco State University and once worked for the San Francisco Chronicle early in his career.

Jose Antonio Vargas (C) sits behind Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano (R) as she testifies about the DREAM Act June 28, 2011 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty)Department spokeswoman Christine Anthony says that after Vargas’ essay was published in the New York Times Magazine, the department opened an investigation. The journalist wrote in the essay that he obtained his license in Washington.

Anthony says that an investigation concluded that Vargas wasn’t residing at the address he provided the DOL. They sent him a letter with a 20-day notice to provide proof of residency. The letter was returned.

Vargas’ story has gained national attention. He said he was tired of hiding his secret and has launched an advocacy group to lobby for immigrant rights.

Washington state is one of two states that provides licenses to people who don’t furnish a social security number.